DIY Painted Glass Vases {$100 Gift Card!}

I've come to realize over the years since becoming a homeowner that painting doesn't always have to be thought of as such a draining task, and it also doesn't always mean time consuming. At first, I dreaded painting anything in our home simply because I had this idea that it would be horrible, but I was wrong and I've grown to love it (as I'm sure you've noticed with all my crazy DIY projects!) because of how easy it is to transform even the smallest of items in your home that result in dramatic differences.

I love being able to put my own creative touch on items in our home to fit our style and it's so easy to do so by just adding a couple coats of paint. Giving something a complete makeover by just adding some paint and being done within a couple of hours? Count me in.

 

before their pretty makeover...

Much like how most of my projects start, I first turned to Pinterest because I have been hoarding this collection of clear vases and wanted to try and get some color inspiration for giving them a makeover with my favorite Glidden paint (the swatches are easy to pick from and color goes on smoothly). I was pretty much sold on a gold + turquoise blue combination for these vases after pinning only a few items that inspired me (you can see my full board full of inspiration for this project here).

So, my newest project was born: DIY Painted Glass Vases!
I promise that any of you can do this project, and your new pretty vases will be so happy you did! They are just begging for a makeover. 

You will need:
-Clear vases of your preference (mason jars would be great too!)
-Plastic cup
-Glidden paint (my personal preference because of their color selection-you can purchase at Home Depot) 
-Clear lacquer

Step 1: Instead of brushing the inside of the vases, we used a swirl and coat method. Pour the paint in the bottom of your glass container.

Step 2: Tilt the glass from side to side and let the paint swirl around in the vase until you get it completely covered. You can turn the vase upside down and use the plastic cup to let any excess paint drip out.

Step 3: Allow your vase to drain upside down on a paper towel (I recommend doing this somewhere outside for obvious reasons) and make sure you wipe off any paint that may have got on the outside part of the glass.

Step 4: Place vase upright again to let dry in a warm area. Check your paint can for drying time. Once the inside is completely dry, spray a water-based lacquer over the painted area to protect it. You won't want to miss this step if you plan on putting any kind of liquid inside!

 

From here, all you need is some fresh flowers and voila!

At the last minute since I loved using these Glidden paint colors so much I decided to spruce up some old ceramic planting pots I had in our garage. I just wiped them down first with a wet paper towel and then painted them with a foam paintbrush... easy, 10 minute project!

And last but not least, if you aren't wanting to keep your vases outside, you can always style them inside. I love how these vases look in our family room, much more appealing than the old clear ones!

*Now since you all just listened to me ramble on and on about paint, tell me what you enjoy painting the most in your home and you will be entered to win $100 Visa Gift Card!

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This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 72 hours to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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This sweepstakes runs from 7/7/14-8/18/14.
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